- Buchanan’s race was effectively ended by a first-corner incident at Barcelona
- The Kiwi teenager made a sensational launch before being forced into the gravel
- Buchanan says the results don’t reflect the progress being made behind the scenes
Cormac Buchanan’s hopes of a breakthrough result at Barcelona were wiped out in the opening corner after another rider forced the Kiwi teenager into the gravel trap.
It was a weekend of frustration and resilience for New Zealand Moto3 rider Cormac Buchanan at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya after a first-corner incident effectively ended his race before it had properly begun.
The Southland teenager arrived at Barcelona still searching for the consistency and rhythm needed to unlock his full potential aboard the Code Motorsports machine, but there were signs during practice that progress was being made. Buchanan had shown improved pace during FP2 and headed into the Moto3 race confident he could move forward through the field.
And for a few seconds after the lights went out, that confidence looked justified.
Buchanan launched brilliantly from the grid, carving through the pack and reportedly making up more than ten positions before the field even reached the opening braking zone. But the charge came to an abrupt halt after contact from another rider pushed him wide and into the gravel trap at Turn One.
Although Buchanan managed to remount and rejoin the race, the incident left him detached from the main group and effectively ended any realistic chance of scoring points.
“Today’s race was pretty much over after just one corner and, when it’s out of your control, that’s a very bitter pill to swallow,” Buchanan said.
Despite the disappointment, the 18-year-old remained composed in his assessment of the incident and focused on the positives that could still be taken from a difficult weekend.
“I made an amazing start, overtaking a lot of riders and putting myself in a good position to fight with the group. But then I got a big contact from another rider which sent me into the gravel trap, costing me a lot of time and, with that, any chance of a strong result,” he explained.
The Barcelona setback continues what has been a brutally tough rookie Moto3 campaign for Buchanan, who is attempting to establish himself on the world stage with limited resources compared with many of his European rivals.
What has stood out throughout the season, however, is Buchanan’s maturity and refusal to hide from the realities of racing at world championship level.
“Taking on the world championship as a New Zealander means having to defy the odds stacked against you and we’ve always known and accepted this,” Buchanan said. “The results don’t tell the whole story about the progress we are making this season.”
The Kiwi also opened up about the challenges of competing in one of motorcycle racing’s toughest categories largely without the support structures many riders around him enjoy.
“I guess no-one truly sees the sacrifices and the fact I am navigating one of the toughest championships on the planet largely on my own – no manager, no coach, no family here and no real budget. That’s the reality.”
Despite the difficult start to the year, Buchanan continues to show flashes of the raw speed and determination that earned him his shot in Moto3 in the first place. His aggressive opening lap in Barcelona was another reminder that the pace is there when circumstances allow.
The next opportunity comes quickly, with Buchanan now turning his attention to the iconic Mugello circuit in Italy for the next round of the Moto3 World Championship.
Pics: Dast Media
